Half-Life 2: The Orange Box for PlayStation 3 Reviews by Gamers

Half Life 2 and its additional episodes are the star of this 5 game disc. Based on how games are being rated in todays game market I am going to give this game a perfect rating because it truly does deserve it.
Now I will explain my reasoning. The story is dark and mysterious from the beginning and even into the end. It will keep you going if you feel the gameplay becomes repetitive. You will feel emotionally invested in the characters and diologue is precious and sometimes rare which is good. You always look forward to someone to talk to and it helps that whenever someone says something it isnt cheesy or unrealistic.
Gameplay is simple and that is its only flaw. It is quite solid and the survival horror aspects of it are the most engaging. Some of it however is tactical first person shooter. It is very much like doom. The fact that the whole game is first person is also very unique and something I appreciate in games. This is blended very well with some heavy exploring, and light puzzle solving. Everything you do does not feel pointless or unrelated to the story.
Graphics/Animation are top notch. From the little things to the big things graphics are breathtaking and improve a little as you get into the episodes of the game.
The sound is great. From deep throat radio chatter of enemies to very small things to the atmosphere filling horror music, its really good. Sometimes theres techno that uplifts you in the right times as well.
I want everyone to know that unlike other reviewers I have not dramatized one bit of this review. The game has no noticable flaws that I can recall. Besides the first person shooting for hours on end to exploring desolate environments which can get a little repetitive even though it is fun I cannot think of one thing. Without the emotional element this game has as well as the story it probably would have been an 8. This is one of of the few games that delivers in every aspect. Very much time went into the development as well.

I played the original HL on PC and couldn't wait to play this HL2 combo pack. Even for 2007 this game still amazes me to this day (2011). The story is interesting, enemies are terrifying, endless world to explore, and it's just plain fun. I played this on xBox but plan to buy it for PS3 soon and start all over again. My wife even enjoys watching me play!